PHOENIX – Phoenix Rising FC announced on Saturday the club had parted ways with Head Coach Danny Stone, effective immediately. Assistant Coach Diego Gómez will serve as interim Head Coach while the club conducts the search for the next Head Coach.

Stone was promoted as Rising’s Head Coach this offseason following the departure of Juan Guerra to join the staff at Houston Dynamo FC of Major League Soccer after Phoenix claimed the 2023 USL Championship title.

Under Stone, Rising has posted a 5W-6L-6D record in the opening half of the 2024 campaign. The side suffered a 5-1 defeat on Friday night against Memphis 901 FC to remain in sixth position in the Western Conference, having won once in its last six league outings.

During Stone’s prior three seasons as an assistant coach, Rising amassed a record of 48W-31L-26D in league play.

“Danny Stone has been a dedicated and influential part of the club over the last three years,” said Rising President Bobby Dulle. “His commitment and contributions, from his work with our youth teams to his time as head coach, have been invaluable. He was an instrumental part of winning the championship last fall, and we want to thank him for his professionalism and unwavering dedication.

“On behalf of our owners, front office, and fans, we extend our deepest gratitude to Danny for his efforts and wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors.”

Gómez is a former goalkeeper with academy experience at Real Madrid and FC Barcelona. After playing professionally, he began coaching with AC Milan, Hong Kong in 2013. Gómez has coached at DV7 Academy, Queensboro FC II (2021-22), and National Independent Soccer Association teams Albion SC and Irvine Zeta (2023-24).